Big-league break: When Burke was selected in the ninth round of the 1993 free agent draft, the Angels still wore the name "California" on their road uniforms. The 31-year-old kicked around the minors for 11 years, with five at-bats during a late-season callup by Anaheim in 2001.

 

But Burke felt comfortable with the White Sox organization from the time he signed as a free agent this past October. Now, his hard work has paid Major League dividends.

 

"He's aggressive, and I liked the way he comes to the park ready to play," Manuel said of Burke. "He can play a number of positions, and with his experience, we wouldn't hesitate to put him into the game right away."

 

On call for the past couple of days, Burke was notified during Charlotte's game Thursday in Norfolk of his trip to Chicago. Burke knows pitchers such as Mark Buehrle, Esteban Loaiza and Bartolo Colon dictate how the game flows out on the mound, but he also feels comfortable catching these veteran hurlers.

 

"They know what to do. But as a catcher, you need to know what they want," Burke said. "I can't go out there empty-headed. You have to understand what's going on and how you work the hitters."

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"He can play a number of positions, and with his experience, we wouldn't hesitate to put him into the game right away."

 

Kiss of death.

"He's aggressive, and I liked the way he comes to the park ready to play," Manuel said of Burke. "He can play a number of positions, and with his experience, we wouldn't hesitate to put him into the game right away."

Burke is JM's tinkering wet dream

Maybe we've got a diamond in the rough with Burke